COMPOSITIONS OF RECYCLED POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE, FIBERS AND ARTICLES PRODUCED THEREOF, AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING THEM

Abstract

In one aspect, the invention relates to compositions of recycled polyethylene terephthalate, fibers, and articles produced therefrom, and methods for producing them. In another aspect, the invention relates to homogenized polyethylene terephthalate derived from consumer waste. In a further aspect, the invention relates to extruded polymer compositions, polymer blends, fibers, and / or bulky continuous filament fibers comprising polyethylene terephthalate derived from consumer waste. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to processes for preparing compositions of recycled polyethylene terephthalate. This summary is intended as an exploratory tool for purposes of searching the art and is not intended to limit the present invention.

Description

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins exhibit hardness, transparency, good barrier properties, light weight, design flexibility, chemical resistance, and good shelf life performance. Consequently, PET is widely used in the packaging industry, for example, in the manufacture of beverage bottles. Furthermore, PET is environmentally friendly, as it is recyclable. Conventional recycling processes for consumer PET (PCPET), however, typically do not yield satisfactory materials for extrusion into a fiber, such as bulk continuous filament (BCF), especially compared to virgin PET (VPET). For example, recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) produced by conventional recycling techniques may exhibit unsatisfactory graining when used in carpet applications and may break down during processing. Therefore, there remains a need for methods and compositions that overcome these deficiencies and effectively provide recycled polyethylene terephthalate compositions, fibers, and articles. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the purpose(s) of the invention, as represented and described in full herein, the invention, in one aspect, relates to recycled polyethylene terephthalate compositions, fibers and articles produced therefrom, and methods for producing them. Extruded polymer compositions comprising polyethylene terephthalate, present as about 25% to about 100% by weight of stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate from consumption, and virgin stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate, are disclosed. Also disclosed are polymer blends comprising polyethylene terephthalate, present as about 25% to about 100% by weight of homogeneous stockpile polyethylene terephthalate, sourced from consumption, and virgin equilibrium polyethylene terephthalate. Also disclosed are extruded fibers made from polyethylene terephthalate, present as about 25% to about 100% by weight of stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate, sourced from consumption, and virgin stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate. Also disclosed are bulky continuous filament extruded fibers comprising a polymer composition of polyethylene terephthalate, present as about 25% to about 100% by weight of stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate, sourced from consumption, and stockpiled virgin polyethylene terephthalate. Lnnn / zznz / E / Yii Also disclosed are bulky continuous filament fibers extruded from a polymer composition comprising polyethylene terephthalate, present as about 25% to about 100% by weight of stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate from consumption, and virgin stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate. Also disclosed are extruded polymer compositions comprising polyethylene terephthalate, present as about 50% to about 100% by weight of stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate, sourced from consumption, and virgin stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate. Also disclosed are polymer blends comprising polyethylene terephthalate, present as about 50% to about 100% by weight of homogeneous stockpile polyethylene terephthalate, sourced from consumption, and virgin equilibrium polyethylene terephthalate. Also disclosed are extruded fibers made from polyethylene terephthalate, present as about 50% to about 100% by weight of stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate, sourced from consumption, and virgin stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate. Also disclosed are bulky continuous filament extruded fibers comprising a polymer composition of polyethylene terephthalate, present as about 50% to about 100% by weight of stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate, sourced from consumption, and stockpiled virgin polyethylene terephthalate. Also disclosed are bulky continuous filament fibers extruded from a polymer composition comprising polyethylene terephthalate, present as about 50% to about 100% by weight of stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate from consumption, and virgin stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate. Homogenized polyethylene terephthalate from the deposit, derived from consumption, is also disclosed. Processes for preparing recycled polyethylene terephthalate compositions are also disclosed, which include the step of combining deposited polyethylene terephthalate, from consumption, until homogenized, before mixing with virgin polyethylene terephthalate. Processes for preparing recycled polyethylene terephthalate compositions are also disclosed, comprising the step of mixing homogeneous depot polyethylene terephthalate from consumption with virgin polyethylene terephthalate, prior to extrusion of the mixture. Processes for preparing a recycled polyethylene terephthalate composition are also disclosed, comprising the step of extruding a homogeneous mixture of depot polyethylene terephthalate, from consumption, and virgin polyethylene terephthalate. Processes for preparing recycled polyethylene terephthalate compositions are also disclosed, which include the stage of combining deposit polyethylene terephthalate, from consumption, until it is homogenized, before extrusion. Processes for preparing recycled polyethylene terephthalate compositions are also disclosed, comprising the steps of combining deposit-derived polyethylene terephthalate, sourced from Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi consumption, until homogenized; optionally, crystallize the homogeneous polyethylene terephthalate from the tank, coming from consumption; drying the homogeneous polyethylene terephthalate from the tank, coming from consumption; mix homogeneous tank polyethylene terephthalate, from consumption, with virgin polyethylene terephthalate; and extrude the mixture. The products of the processes described are also made public. Although aspects of the present invention may be described and claimed in a particular statutory class, such as the statutory class of systems, this is for convenience only, and a person skilled in the art will understand that each aspect of the present invention may be described and claimed in any statutory class. Unless expressly stated otherwise, no method or aspect set forth herein is intended to be interpreted as requiring its steps to be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a claim of the method does not specifically state in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, no order is intended to be inferred in any way.This is stated for any possible non-explicit grounds for interpretation, including matters of logic regarding stage arrangement or operational flow, ordinary meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or the number or type of aspects described in the specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The supplementary Figures, which are incorporated into and form part of this specification, illustrate various aspects and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Figure 1 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method for processing bulky continuous filaments (BCF) of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sourced from the consumer. Figure 2 is a schematic representation showing side and cross-section views of barrier-type extrusion screws that may be useful in the processes disclosed. Additional advantages of the invention will be partly set forth in the following description, and partly will be obvious from the description, or can be learned through the practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and achieved by means of the elements and combinations particularly highlighted in the appended claims. It is to be understood that the preceding general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention can be more easily understood by reference to the following detailed description of the invention and the Examples included therein. Before the present compounds, compositions, articles, systems, devices, and / or Where methods are disclosed and described, it should be understood that they are not limited to specific synthetic methods, unless otherwise specified, or to particular reagents, unless otherwise specified, since, as such, they may of course vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Although any method and material similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, example methods and materials are described herein. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein for reference, to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials in relation to which the publications are cited. The publications discussed herein are provided solely for descriptive purposes prior to the filing date of this application. Nothing herein should be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to precede such publication by virtue of the prior invention. Furthermore, the publication dates provided herein may differ from the actual publication dates, which may require independent confirmation. A. DEFINITIONS As used in the specification and accompanying claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a composition,” “a fiber,” or “a stage” includes mixtures of two or more compositions, fibers, stages, and the like. Intervals may be expressed in this document as “from around” a particular value, and / or “to around” another particular value. When such an interval is expressed, “another aspect” includes “from” a particular value and / or “to” the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, the antecedent “around” will be understood to mean that the particular value forms another aspect. It will further be understood that the endpoints of each interval are meaningful in relation to, and independently of, the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values ​​disclosed in this document, and that each value is also disclosed in this document as “around” that particular value, in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “around 10” is also disclosed. It is further understood that every unit between any two particular units is also disclosed.For example, if 10 and 15 are revealed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also revealed. As used in this document, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the event or circumstance described below may or may not occur, and that the description includes cases where such event or circumstance occurs and cases where it does not. As used in this document, the term “residue” refers to a portion that is the resulting product of the chemical species in a particular reaction scheme, formulation, or subsequent chemical product, regardless of whether the portion is actually obtained from the chemical species. In this way, an ethylene glycol residue in a polyester refers to one or more -OCH2CH2O- units in the polyester, regardless of whether ethylene glycol was used to prepare the polyester. Similarly, a sebacic acid residue in a polyester refers to one or more -CO(CH2)8CO- portions in the polyester, regardless of whether the residue is obtained by reacting sebacic acid or an ester thereof to obtain the polyester. As used in this document, the term “polymer” refers to an organic compound, natural or synthetic, of relatively high molecular weight, whose structure can be represented by a small repeating unit, the monomer (e.g., polyethylene, rubber, cellulose). Synthetic polymers are typically formed by addition or condensation polymerization of monomers. Homopolymers (i.e., a single repeating unit) and copolymers (i.e., more than one repeating unit) are two categories of polymers. As used in this document, the term “copolymer” refers to a polymer formed from two or more different repeating units (monomer residues). By way of example and without limitation, a copolymer may be a staggered copolymer, a random copolymer, a block copolymer, or a graft copolymer. It is also contemplated that, in certain respects, various block segments of a block copolymer may itself comprise copolymers. As used in this document, the term “molecular weight” (MW) refers to the mass of a molecule of that substance, relative to the unified atomic mass unit u (equal to 1 / 12 the mass of a carbon-12 atom). As used in this document, the term “number-average molecular weight” (Mn) refers to the common arithmetic mean of the molecular weights of the individual polymers. Mn can be determined by measuring the molecular weight of n polymer molecules, summing the weights, and dividing by n. Mn is calculated by: M=, k -KA where N¡ is the number of molecules of molecular weight M¡. The number average molecular weight of a polymer can be determined by gel diffusion chromatography, viscometry (Mark-Houwink equation), light scattering, analytical ultracentrifugation, vapor pressure osmometry, titration of end groups, and colligative properties. As used in this document, the term “weighted average molecular weight” (Mw) refers to an alternative measure of the molecular weight of a polymer. Mw is calculated by: V- / V-W2ñE. =1'11n where N¡ is the number of molecules of molecular weight M¡. Intuitively, if the weighted average molecular weight is w, and a random monomer is selected, then the polymer to which hr Lnnn / zznz / B / Yi belongs will have a weight of w, on average. The weighted average molecular weight can be determined by light scattering, small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), X-ray scattering, and sedimentation rate. As used in this document, the terms “polydispersity” and “polydispersity index” refer to the ratio of average weight to average number (Mw / Mn). As used in this document, the terms “polyethylene terephthalate” and “PET” refer to a thermoplastic polyester resin that can exist as an amorphous (transparent) material and as a semicrystalline (opaque and white) material. PET can also exist as a transparent semicrystalline material, as used in the sidewalls of PET bottles. In such forms, the crystals are smaller than the wavelength of visible light and thus do not make the material opaque and white. PET can be represented by the following structural formula: --either Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi PET can be used in synthetic fibers; containers for beverages, food, and other liquids; thermoforming applications; and engineering resins, often in conjunction with fiberglass. Its monomer can be synthesized by the esterification reaction between terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol with water as a byproduct, or by the transesterification reaction between ethylene glycol and dimethyl terephthalate with methanol as a byproduct. Polymerization can occur through a polycondensation reaction of the monomers with ethylene glycol as a byproduct. The terms “polyethylene terephthalate” and “PET” include PET polymers and copolymers. For example, PET may be supplied as a copolymer that has, in addition to terephthalic acid residues and ethylene glycol residues, additional isophthalic acid residues and / or cyclohexanedimethanol residues. It is also understood that the PET polymer and / or copolymer may be supplied as part of a polymer blend. As used in this document, the terms “new” and “virgin”, when used in relation to polymeric material, refer to polymeric material that is not consumer-sourced (or industrial-sourced) polymeric material. As used in this document, the term “consumer-sourced,” when used in relation to polymeric material, refers to polymeric material collected from the end consumer of a material stream. Consumer-sourced (or industrial-sourced) polymeric material, in contrast to virgin polymeric material, typically may contain impurities resulting from its use in consumer (or industrial) products before being recovered for recycling. As used in this document, the term “recycled”, when used in relation to polymeric material, refers to polymeric material that is prepared from consumer-sourced polymeric material. As used in this document, the term “crystallized”, when used in relation to polyethylene terephthalate, refers to a polymer that has been subjected to crystallization conditions (e.g., heat at a temperature above the glass transition temperature (Tg) of polyethylene terephthalate) sufficient to minimize or eliminate sticking during a subsequent processing stage, e.g., a drying stage. As used in this document, the term “homogeneous”, when used in relation to polymeric material, refers to a material mechanically blended to a uniform state sufficient to minimize or eliminate streaking in textiles such as carpet and / or breakage of extruded material during a subsequent processing stage, e.g., an extrusion, braiding, or tufting stage. As used in this document, the term “deposit,” when used in relation to consumer-sourced polymer material, refers to consumer-sourced polymer material that is deposit-grade. Deposit-grade is the highest quality consumer-sourced packaged polymer, for example, PET. Deposit polymer primarily comes from PET soda bottles collected in one of about nine U.S. states where a bottle deposit system encourages their return. Deposit materials command a premium price on the market. As used in this document, the term “curbside dump collection,” when used in connection with consumer polymer material, refers to consumer polymer material that is generally lower-grade, packaged consumer polymer, such as PET. Curbside dump polymer primarily comes from PET soda, water, and custom bottles, which usually include other types of resins. Sand, glass, PVC, and dirt are common contaminants. As used in this document, the term “granule”, when used in relation to consumer-sourced polymer material, refers to consumer-sourced polymer material supplied in granular form, similar to the form of commercial virgin polymer. As used in this document, the term “flake”, when used in relation to consumer-sourced polymer material, refers to consumer-sourced polymer material supplied in the form of irregular flakes, typically of mechanically shredded polymer material. As used in this document, the term “staple fiber” refers to relatively short lengths of fiber, typically cut from a continuous filament into lengths of 10.16 cm to 19.05 cm (4” to 7 1 / 2”). These lengths can be spun together to create strands of yarn. As used in this document, the term “bulky continuous filament fiber” refers to continuous strands of synthetic fiber formed into yarn bundles of a given number of filaments and typically textured to increase bulk and coverage. The components to be used to prepare the compositions of the invention are disclosed. Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi, as well as the compositions themselves, are to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc., of these materials are disclosed, although the specific reference to each of the various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these compounds may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular compound is disclosed and discussed, and a number of modifications that can be made to a number of molecules, including the compounds, are discussed, each and every combination and permutation of the compound and the modifications that are possible are specifically contemplated, unless specifically stated otherwise.Thus, if a class of molecules A, B, and C is disclosed, as well as a class of molecules D, E, and F, and an example of a combination molecule, AD, is disclosed, then even if each is not listed individually, each is considered individually and collectively, meaning that the combinations AE, AF, BD, BE, BF, CD, CE, and CF are considered disclosed. Likewise, any subset or combination thereof is also disclosed. Thus, for example, the subgroup of AE, BF, and CE may be considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this application, including, but not limited to, steps in methods for preparing and using the compositions of the invention. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed, it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed using any specific modality or combination of modalities of the methods of the invention. It is understood that the compositions described in this document have specific functions. This document outlines certain structural requirements for performing these functions, and it is understood that a variety of structures can perform the same function as those described, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result. B. RECYCLED POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE In one aspect, the invention relates to recycled polymer compositions prepared from consumer-sourced polyethylene terephthalate. For example, a recycled polymer composition can be prepared from homogenized, deposit-derived consumer-sourced polyethylene terephthalate, which may be in granular form, flake form, or a combination thereof. As further examples, the recycled polymer compositions can be provided as polymer blends, extruded polymer compositions, fibers, and / or bulky continuous filament fibers. In one respect, a recycled polymer from consumption (e.g., deposit-source polyethylene terephthalate) composition can be extruded to provide a bulky continuous filament fiber. It is understood that the compositions, mixtures, and fibers disclosed may be used in Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi relationship with the fibers, methods, and uses made known. 1. MIXTURES AND COMPOSITIONS In one aspect, the invention relates to polymer blends comprising polyethylene terephthalate, present as approximately 25% to approximately 100% by weight of homogeneous, deposit-grade polyethylene terephthalate from consumption, and virgin, equilibrium polyethylene terephthalate. In a further aspect, the invention relates to polymer blends comprising polyethylene terephthalate, present as approximately 50% to approximately 100% by weight of homogeneous, deposit-grade polyethylene terephthalate from consumption, and virgin, equilibrium polyethylene terephthalate. In a further aspect, the invention relates to extruded polymer compositions comprising polyethylene terephthalate, present as approximately 25% to approximately 100% by weight of deposit-grade polyethylene terephthalate from consumption and virgin equilibrium polyethylene terephthalate. 2. FIBERS In a further aspect, the invention relates to fibers extruded from polyethylene terephthalate, present as approximately 25% to approximately 100% by weight of stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate from consumption and virgin stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate. For example, the fiber may be a bulky continuous filament extruded fiber comprising a polymer composition of polyethylene terephthalate present as approximately 25% to approximately 100% by weight of stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate from consumption and virgin stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate. As a further example, the fiber may be a bulky continuous filament fiber extruded from a polymer composition comprising polyethylene terephthalate present as approximately 25% to approximately 100% by weight of stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate from consumption and virgin stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate. In a further aspect, the invention relates to fibers extruded from polyethylene terephthalate, present as approximately 50% to approximately 100% by weight of stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate from consumption and virgin stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate. For example, the fiber may be a bulky continuous filament extruded fiber comprising a polymer composition of polyethylene terephthalate present as approximately 50% to approximately 100% by weight of stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate from consumption and virgin stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate. As a further example, the fiber may be a bulky continuous filament fiber extruded from a polymer composition comprising polyethylene terephthalate present as approximately 50% to approximately 100% by weight of stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate from consumption and virgin stockpiled polyethylene terephthalate. 3. Lnnn / zznz / B / Yi CONTENT DERIVED FROM CONSUMPTION In one aspect, at least a portion of the disclosed compositions comprises consumer-derived polyethylene terephthalate. In one aspect, the consumer-derived polyethylene terephthalate is deposit-derived consumer-derived polyethylene terephthalate. In one aspect, the balance of the composition may be virgin polyethylene terephthalate. In an additional aspect, polyethylene terephthalate is presented as at least around 25%, at least around 30%, at least around 35%, at least around 40%, at least around 45%, at least around 50%, at least around 55%, at least around 60%, at least around 65%, at least around 70%, at least around 75%, at least around 80%, at least around 85%, at least around 90%, or at least around 95% by weight of deposit-derived polyethylene terephthalate, from consumption. In an additional aspect, polyethylene terephthalate is presented as approximately 25% to approximately 30%, approximately 25% to approximately 35%, approximately 25% to approximately 40%, approximately 25% to approximately 45%, approximately 25% to approximately 50%, approximately 25% to approximately 55%, approximately 25% to approximately 60%, approximately 25% to approximately 65%, approximately 25% to approximately 70%, approximately 25% to approximately 75%, approximately 25% to approximately 80%, approximately 25% to approximately 85%, approximately 25% to approximately 90%, approximately 25% to approximately 95%, or approximately 25% to approximately 100% by weight of tank polyethylene terephthalate, from consumption. In an additional aspect, polyethylene terephthalate is presented as approximately 50% to approximately 55%, approximately 50% to approximately 60%, approximately 50% to approximately 65%, approximately 50% to approximately 70%, approximately 50% to approximately 75%, approximately 50% to approximately 80%, approximately 50% to approximately 85%, approximately 50% to approximately 90%, approximately 50% to approximately 95%, or approximately 50% to approximately 100% by weight of deposit polyethylene terephthalate, derived from consumption. In additional aspects, polyethylene terephthalate may be present as approximately 100% by weight of deposit polyethylene terephthalate, sourced from consumption, or virgin polyethylene terephthalate may be absent. 4. RAW MATERIALS In one respect, raw materials can be selected for compatibility with the disclosed processes. For example, polyethylene terephthalate from the consumer's waste can be in granular form, flake form, or a mixture of both. As an additional example, consumer-sourced polyethylene terephthalate flakes may be selected for one or more of the following specifications: Bulk density (kg / m3 (lb / ft3)) of 320.4-432.54 (20-27); Moisture content (%) of < 1.0; Floating contamination (ppm) of < 15; PVC contamination (ppm) of < 50; Metal contamination (ppm) of < 10; Other non-melted particles (ppm) of < 25; Green PET contamination (ppm) of < 1000; Light blue contamination (ppm) of < 75,000; Low melting point material (such as PETG) (ppm) of < 25; hr Lnnn / zznz / B / Yi Black PET contamination (ppm) < 25; Pressure increase (kPa per kilogram (psi per pound)) <1139 kPa / kg (75 psi / lb); Hunter color L value > 50; and / or Hunter color B value 0.0 to 2.0. As an additional example, depot polyethylene terephthalate, sourced from consumption, granules may be selected for one or more of the following specifications: bulk density greater than about 720.9 kg / m3 (45 lb / ft3); pressure rise of less than about 25 psi / lb with solution viscosity IV of more than 0.70; and granule count of about 50-70 granules / gram; Hunter color L value (crystallized granule) of more than about 65; and color B value of less than about 4. Commercial suppliers of suitable consumer polyethylene terephthalate flake / granule materials can be found in the Consumer Plastics Recyclers Association directory. 5. IMPURITIES Consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate (PET), such as deposit-grade PET, can contain various impurities, including sand, glass, dyes, paper, other polymers (such as PVC and PETG), metals, adhesives, syrups, fillers, and dirt. These impurities in consumer-grade PET may appear as one or more of the following: floatable contaminants; PVC contamination; metal contamination; other unmelted particles; green PET contamination; light blue PET contamination; low-melting-point material (such as PETG); and black PET contamination. In contrast, such impurities are typically substantially absent from virgin PET. Additionally, one or more impurities may be present at concentrations of up to approximately 10 ppm, 25 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, 5000 ppm, 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 7.5%, or 10% by weight. Furthermore, the total impurity content may be up to approximately 10 ppm, 25 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, 5000 ppm, 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 7.5%, or 10% by weight. Additionally, one or more impurities may be present at concentrations of less than approximately 10 ppm, approximately 25 ppm, approximately 50 ppm, approximately 100 ppm, approximately 500 ppm, approximately 1000 ppm, approximately 5000 ppm, approximately 1%, approximately 2%, approximately 3%, approximately 5%, approximately 7.5%, or approximately 10% by weight. Furthermore, the total impurity content may be up to approximately 10 ppm, approximately 25 ppm, approximately 50 ppm, approximately 100 ppm, approximately 500 ppm, approximately 1000 ppm, approximately 5000 ppm, approximately 1%, approximately 2%, approximately 3%, approximately 5%, approximately 7.5%, or approximately 10% by weight. 6. ADDITIVES Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi The disclosed compositions may also include one or more additives known to those skilled in the art. That is, a skilled person can easily modify one or more properties of the disclosed compositions by selecting and including one or more additives. For example, one or more additives may be selected from plasticizers, opacifiers, nucleating agents, colorants, dyes, lighteners, thinners, and / or fillers. In various aspects, one or more additives may be present as up to about 0.5%, up to about 1%, up to about 2%, up to about 3%, up to about 4%, up to about 5%, or up to about 10% by weight of the composition. In various respects, one or more additives may be present as less than around 0.5%, less than around 1%, less than around 2%, less than around 3%, less than around 4%, less than around 5%, or less than around 10% by weight of the composition. c. USES The disclosed compositions are useful in various articles commonly manufactured from polymer compositions, particularly polyethylene terephthalate compositions. In one aspect, the compositions can be provided as fibers, for example, as bulky continuous filament fibers. These fibers can be used in textile articles, including carpets. Thus, in one aspect, the invention relates to a carpet comprising a disclosed polymer composition or a disclosed fiber. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a carpet comprising a product of a disclosed process. It is understood that the uses disclosed may be employed in relation to the fibers, compositions, methods, and mixtures disclosed. D. PROCESSES TO PREPARE RECYCLED POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE In one aspect, the invention relates to a process for preparing a recycled polyethylene terephthalate composition comprising the step of homogenizing recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) before blending it with virgin polyethylene terephthalate. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a process for preparing a recycled polyethylene terephthalate composition comprising the step of blending homogeneous recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with virgin polyethylene terephthalate before extruding the blend. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a process for preparing a recycled polyethylene terephthalate composition comprising the step of extruding a blend of homogeneous recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and virgin polyethylene terephthalate.In a further process, the invention relates to a process for preparing a recycled polyethylene terephthalate composition comprising the step of combining deposit-derived polyethylene terephthalate, from consumption, until homogenized, prior to extrusion. It is understood that the processes disclosed may be employed in relation to the fibers, compositions, mixtures, and uses disclosed. Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi 1. SYSTEM COMPONENTS As illustrated in Figure 1, the method for processing PET from consumer use may, for example, include at least one of the following: at least one combining means, at least one crystallizer, at least one drying means, at least one extruder, and at least one spinneret. Additionally, at least one filtration means and / or at least one mixing means may be included. In one aspect, at least one combining means 2 may comprise at least one conventional active mixer with an auger, configured to increase the uniformity of the PET flakes and / or granules from the consumer contained therein. In a further aspect, at least one combining means may further comprise at least one conventional combining silo 4, 5 configured to further improve the uniformity of the blended flakes and / or granules. In one aspect, at least one combining silo may include a recirculation means and at least one flow channel to improve uniformity, as known in the art. In a further aspect, at least one combining silo may be sized to process batch sizes of PET flakes and / or granules from the consumer of up to 226,796.19 kilograms (500,000 pounds).For example, in one respect, at least one combination silo 4, 5 can be scaled up to process batch sizes of flakes and / or pellets of approximately 113,398.09 kilograms (250,000 pounds). A non-limiting example of a suitable combination silo is a Directed Flow Channel (DFC) mixer commercially available from Columbian TecTank, 5400 Kansas Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66106. Another non-limiting example is the Sprout Waldron (Muncy, PA, USA) 42.475 cubic meter (1500 cu. ft.) batch mixer. At least one combining means, in one aspect, may further comprise at least one bulk bag unloading means 1 configured to allow the direct mixing of a plurality of feed batches in at least one combining silo. In a further aspect, at least one bulk bag unloading means may be configured to allow the direct mixing of up to four different feed batches in at least one combining silo. In a further aspect, this direct mixing may be tailored to enable optimal combining, if desired. In a further aspect, at least one bulk bag unloading means 1 may be a commercially available, conventional bulk bag unloader. In one respect, at least one crystallizer 6 can be a conventional, commercially available crystallizer configured to crystallize virgin PET and / or PET from consumption. In an additional aspect, the drying medium 8 may comprise a conventional, commercially available drying system configured to dry virgin PET and / or PET from consumption. At least one extruder 9 may comprise an extruder screw and an extruder mixing element 10. One embodiment of the extruder screw is illustrated in Figure 2. In one aspect, the extruder screw 20 may comprise a conventional barrier screw 22 configured such that Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi so that pressure and / or temperature fluctuations are minimized in the fiber extrusion process. In a further aspect, the extruder screw may comprise a barrier fillet 24 inserted in a transition section between the feed zone 26, where the material to be processed is introduced into the extruder screw, and a metering zone 28, where the material to be processed is introduced into a filtration medium. The barrier fillet may define two channels, a molten polymer channel 30 and a solids channel 32, and may have a clearance between a tip of the barrier fillet and a wall of the cylinder containing the screw. This clearance may allow virgin PET and / or PET from melted consumption to pass from the solids channel to the molten polymer channel.An example of such an extruder screw is the commercially available DSB-1 barrier screw from Davis-Standard LLC, #1 Extrusion Drive, Pawcatuck, CT 06379. Suitable models of the DSB-1 include a Moderate Duty Barrier Screw that has a Length / Diameter ratio of 30:1 and a deep feed, and a Moderate / Minimal Duty Barrier Screw that has an L / D ratio of 34:1. In one respect, compared to extruding virgin PET, extruding a blend of recycled PET and virgin PET may require one or more modifications to the extruder screw feed section, the use of a mixing screw with a barrier fillet, and increased power availability in the extruder drive system. In another respect, an extrusion profile is used that minimizes heat generation along the barrel length (while still ensuring adequate heat input to melt the different types of recycled PET flakes). The mixing element of the extruder 10 may comprise a conventional mixing unit with checkweighing having at least one hopper mounted adjacent to at least one extruder 9. Two examples of such an extruder mixing element are the commercially available XGGCYUMFFK01 or XLGCYYUMKLX01 mixers from Process Control Corporation. At least one hopper may comprise a mixing means for introducing virgin PET and / or PET from consumption into the extruder screw. At least one filtration medium 12 may comprise a conventional plastic molten polymer filtration unit comprising an automatic back-discharge filtration system configured to minimize extruder downtime. In one aspect, at least one filtration medium may be capable of processing at least 453.592 kilograms (1,000 pounds) of PET from hourly consumption per filter. In a further aspect, at least one filtration medium may preferably process at least 453.592 kilograms (1,000 pounds) of PET from hourly consumption per filter. For example, approximately 453.592 kilograms (1,000 pounds) of PET from hourly consumption per filter, approximately 1,133.981 kilograms (2,500 pounds) of PET from hourly consumption per filter, approximately 2,267.962 kilograms (5,000 pounds) of PET from hourly consumption per filter, or approximately 4,535.924 kilograms (10,000 pounds) of PET from hourly consumption per filter. In another aspect, at least one filtration medium can remove particles as small as approximately 50 microns from the molten stream. However, it is envisaged that at least one filtration medium can remove from the molten stream, for example, particles that are approximately 10 microns in size, approximately 25 microns in size, approximately 50 microns in size, or approximately 100 microns in size. An example of a suitable filtration medium is a Gneuss RSF-60 Rotary Filtration System, which is commercially available from Gneuss Inc., 10820-G, Independence Pointe Parkway, Matthews, NC 28105. At least one spinner may be a conventional spinner comprising at least one molten polymer pump configured to pump virgin PET and / or PET from molten consumer sources to at least one spinner, to produce the fiber. 2. ASSEMBLY AND USE With reference to Figure 1, a system for processing PET from the consumer can be assembled to comprise any or all of the components described above. In one aspect, at least one bulk bag discharge means 1 can be operatively coupled to the combining means 2, so that a plurality of feed batches can introduce PET from the consumer into the combining means. Optionally, virgin PET can be introduced into the combining means, either alone or in conjunction with the PET from the consumer. In a further aspect, the combining means, which can comprise at least one active mixer and / or at least one combining silo 4, at least one crystallizer 6, at least one drying means 8, and at least one extruder 9, can be operatively coupled in series.In this way, virgin PET granules and / or flakes and / or PET from consumer sources can be conveyed from at least one bulk bag unloading device to at least one combining device, from at least one combining device to at least one crystallizer, from at least one crystallizer to at least one drying device, and from at least one drying device to at least one extruder. As can be seen by someone skilled in the art, the granules and / or flakes can be conveyed pneumatically, carried on a conveyor belt, gravity-fed, and / or transported by other means. In an additional aspect, at least one filtration medium 12 can be attached to at least one extruder to filter contaminants from the molten stream before it enters the spinneret for fiber production. As can also be seen by someone skilled in the art, the components that process virgin PET and / or PET from melted consumer products can be in fluid communication with each other, for example, through at least one tube. In its use, in one aspect, PET granules and / or flakes from consumer products in bulk bags can be discharged by at least one bulk bag unloading means 1 into at least one combining means 2, such as at least one active mixer. In a further aspect, at least one active mixer may have an auger for combining the PET granules and / or flakes from consumer products. In a further aspect, the PET granules and / or flakes from consumer products can be conveyed from at least one active mixer to at least one silo. Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi combination 4.5 until a homogeneous mixture of PET from the consumer is formed in the silo. Furthermore, the PET granules and / or flakes from the consumer can be diverted to a plurality of combination silos 4.5 so that a larger quantity of material can be processed at any given time. Furthermore, the amount of time required for a homogeneous mixture to occur can vary depending on the model of active mixer and / or combination silo used, and can be provided by the respective equipment manufacturer. In one instance, a homogeneous mixture can be achieved in approximately 2 hours. In another instance, a homogeneous mixture can be achieved in approximately 36 hours. In yet another instance, a homogeneous mixture can be achieved in approximately 48 hours. In one aspect, to test the homogeneity of a blend, a known quantity of PET of a known color can be introduced into at least one active mixer and / or at least one blending silo. A known quantity of an exogenous tracer can also be introduced into at least one active mixer and / or at least one blending silo. The exogenous tracer can be provided with a known property (e.g., color, fluorescence, etc.) that can be easily measured in samples taken from the blend. The PET of known color and the exogenous tracer can be blended together, and the resulting blend can be periodically checked for tracer distribution levels. Blending can continue until the percentage of tracer in a sample is substantially equal to the percentage of tracer in at least one active mixer and / or at least one blending silo. In an additional aspect, the homogenized mixture of recycled PET can then be conveyed to at least one crystallizer 6. The crystallizer manufacturer can provide the temperature and time required to crystallize the recycled PET, which can prevent it from sticking together within the system. After crystallization, in yet another aspect, the granules and / or flakes of recycled PET can be fed into at least one drying medium 8 for moisture removal. Again, the manufacturer of the respective drying medium can provide the required drying time. Alternatively, a moisture sensor can be used to determine if the recycled PET is sufficiently dry for further processing. In one aspect, the recycled PET can be dried to a moisture level of approximately 25–200 ppm.Additionally, consumer PET can be dried to a moisture content of approximately 50–100 ppm. Furthermore, the residence time of the consumer PET in the drying medium can be at least five hours. Finally, the dew point in the drying medium can be -28.889°C (-20°F). In an additional aspect, upon exiting at least one drying medium, the PET granules and / or flakes from the consumer may enter at least one hopper of the extruder's mixing element, 9. At this point, in one aspect, virgin PET may also be added to another hopper of the extruder's mixing element. At least one hopper may feed the PET Lnnn / zznz / E / Yii from consumption and virgin PET mixed to the extruder in the desired mixing ratio, following the instructions of the extruder mixing element manufacturer. In an additional aspect, the percentage of PET from consumption, present in the mixture of consumer PET and virgin PET fed to the extruder, may be at least around 25%, at least around 30%, at least around 35%, at least around 40%, at least around 45%, at least around 50%, at least around 55%, at least around 60%, at least around 65%, at least around 70%, at least around 75%, at least around 80%, at least around 85%, at least around 90%, or at least around 95% by weight of PET from consumption.In another aspect, the percentage of PET from consumption, present in the mixture of PET from consumption and virgin PET that is fed to the extruder, can be around 25%, up to around 30%, up to around 35%, up to around 40%, up to around 45%, up to around 50%, up to around 55%, up to around 60%, up to around 65%, up to around 70%, up to around 75%, up to around 80%, up to around 85%, up to around 90%, or up to around 95% by weight of PET from consumption. In one aspect, the virgin PET / PET blend from the consumer can enter the feed zone 26 of the barrier screw 22 of at least one extruder 9. The barrier screw can rotate, propelling the blend into a barrier zone, where the virgin PET / PET blend from the consumer can be melted into a liquid that can enter the molten polymer channel 30 of the barrier screw. The molten blend can then be propelled into the metering zone 28 of the barrier screw, configured to feed the molten blend, at an appropriate pressure, to at least one filtration medium. In one aspect, the extruder profile of at least one extruder can be adjusted to temperatures between approximately 250-350°C. In another aspect, the extruder profile can be adjusted to temperatures between approximately 280-305°C. In a further aspect, the extruder profile can be adjusted to produce a melting temperature between approximately 275-325°C at the extruder end. In yet another aspect, the extruder profile can be adjusted to produce a melting temperature between approximately 285-300°C at the extruder end. In one respect, the extruder control pressure can be adjusted to a pressure that provides an adequate supply of polymer to the metering pumps of the spinneret with at least one row. In another respect, injection pressure variations related to the filtration equipment must be kept below 2,500 kPa (25 bar) to minimize variations in the molten polymer temperature. Additionally, the filter medium can remove any unmelted particles and / or other contaminants from the molten smelt. This can help prevent weak points from forming in the fiber. The filtered molten smelt can then be fed into the spinneret, where it is forced through a die to form a fiber. The fiber can then be cooled and wound onto a reel for further processing. Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi In one respect, at least one spinneret may have a polymer spinning pump speed that varies less than 5% from the target setting along the line. In another respect, at least one spinneret may have a polymer spinning pump speed that varies less than 1% from the target setting along the line. In another respect, the texturizing system spin speeds of at least one spinneret may be controlled to + / - 4 m / min, and the texturizing system spin temperatures may be controlled to be within + / - 4°C. In yet another respect, the texturizing system spin speeds of at least one spinneret may be controlled to + / - 2 m / min, and the texturizing system spin temperatures may be controlled to be within + / - 2°C. In yet another respect, the yarn draw ratio of at least one spinneret may be between 3.0 and 5.5.In one additional aspect, the yarn draw ratio of at least one spinneret may be between 3.7 and 4.4. In one aspect, the texturizer jet pressures and temperatures of at least one spinneret may be controlled within a range of + / - 4°C and less than 100 kPa (1.0 bar). In another aspect, the texturizer jet pressures and temperatures of at least one spinneret may be controlled within a range of + / - 2°C and less than 50 kPa (0.5 bar). The steering system and pressure may be controlled to be within a range of 100 kPa (1.0 bar). In another aspect, the steering system and pressure may be controlled to be within a range of 50 kPa (0.5 bar). In one respect, the fiber formed from the virgin PET / consumer PET blend, referred to as individual yarns, can be processed, for example, into yarn by stranding, as is commonly known in the techniques. In another respect, the individual yarns produced can be wound at a tension of approximately 100-300 grams. In another respect, finishing oil can be added to the individual yarns as a weight percentage of approximately 1.0-1.5%. In yet another respect, substantially all the individual yarns of the stranded yarn can be formed from the virgin PET / consumer PET blend. In another respect, at least one of the individual yarns of the stranded yarn can be formed from the virgin PET / consumer PET blend. In yet another respect, any number of individual yarns of the stranded yarn can be formed from the virgin PET / consumer PET blend. In one respect, the braided yarn containing at least one individual yarn produced from the virgin PET / consumer PET blend can be woven into a carpet, as is also commonly known in the techniques. In another respect, substantially all of the braided yarn in the carpet can be formed from individual yarns formed from the virgin PET / consumer PET blend. In yet another respect, at least one of the braided yarns in the carpet can be formed from individual yarns formed from the virgin PET / consumer PET blend. In yet another respect, any number of the braided yarns in the carpet can be formed from individual yarns formed from the virgin PET / consumer PET blend. 3. SELECTION OF RAW MATERIALS In one respect, deposit PET from consumption can be selected so that Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi may meet or exceed at least one of the following specifications: Bulk density (kg / m3 (lb / ft3)) of 320.4-432.54 (20-27); Moisture content (%) of < 1.0; Floating contamination (ppm) of < 15; PVC contamination (ppm) of < 50; Metal contamination (ppm) of < 10; Other non-melted particles (ppm) of < 25; Green PET contamination (ppm) of < 1000; Light blue contamination (ppm) of < 75,000; Low melting point material (such as PETG) (ppm) of < 25; Black PET contamination (ppm) of < 25; Pressure rise (kPa per kilogram (psi per pound)) of < 1139 kPa / kg (75 psi / lb); Hunter Color L Value of > 50; and / or Hunter Color B Value of 0.0 to 2.0. 4. COMBINATION In one aspect, the disclosed processes may include a blending stage to homogenize the feed profile of post-consumer PET to the extruder. For example, at least one blending silo may comprise a recirculation line to recirculate, and thus blend, post-consumer PET within it. In another example, at least one blending silo may comprise multiple flow channels to aid in blending post-consumer PET within it. The blending stage, in one aspect, may reduce particle size variation, color variation, copolymer content, and contamination to provide a more homogeneous feed of post-consumer PET to the extruder. In a further aspect, the blending stage may comprise blending the post-consumer PET within the blending silo until a desired level of homogenization is achieved.In another aspect, the blending stage may involve combining the PET from consumption in the blending silo for a specific period of time to homogenize the mixture. For example, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, 16 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, or 72 hours. 5. CRYSTALLIZATION In one aspect, the disclosed process may include a crystallization step. For example, PET granules and / or flakes from consumer products may be heated to an elevated temperature while being constantly stirred and / or agitated for a period of time. In another aspect, the crystallization step may take place in a crystallizer, which comprises a heated vessel with a series of paddles or agitators. In other aspects, the crystallization step may take place in a crystallizer comprising a heated fluidized bed to keep the granules and / or flakes separated. Crystallization may be achieved using commercially available equipment known to the experts. 6. DRYING In one respect, the processes disclosed may include a drying stage. For example, PET granules and / or flakes from consumer sources may be dried in a conventional PET dryer. In another respect, the PET granules and / or flakes from consumer sources may be dried to a specific moisture level. In a further respect, the PET granules and / or flakes from The Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi of the consumption can be dried over a period of time. Drying can be carried out, for example, to achieve a moisture level of less than approximately 5%, less than approximately 4%, less than approximately 3%, less than approximately 2%, less than approximately 1%, less than approximately 0.5%, less than approximately 0.25%, less than approximately 1000 ppm, less than approximately 500 ppm, or less than approximately 100 ppm. Furthermore, moisture levels can be reduced from approximately 50 ppm to approximately 100 ppm. Additionally, moisture levels can be reduced to a level sufficient to minimize or eliminate the effect of moisture during subsequent processing stages. 7. MIXING In one respect, the disclosed processes may include a blending stage. For example, consumer PET granules and / or flakes may be blended with virgin PET granules and / or flakes to create a consumer PET / virgin PET blend. In one respect, the percentage of consumer PET in the blend may be at least approximately 25%, at least approximately 30%, at least approximately 35%, at least approximately 40%, at least approximately 45%, at least approximately 50%, at least approximately 55%, at least approximately 60%, at least approximately 65%, at least approximately 70%, at least approximately 75%, at least approximately 80%, at least approximately 85%, at least approximately 90%, or at least approximately 95% by weight of consumer PET.In an additional aspect, the percentage of PET from consumption present in the mixture of PET from consumption and / or virgin PET that is fed to the extruder can be around 25%, up to around 30%, up to around 35%, up to around 40%, up to around 45%, up to around 50%, up to around 55%, up to around 60%, up to around 65%, up to around 70%, up to around 75%, up to around 80%, up to around 85%, up to around 90%, or up to around 95% by weight of PET from consumption. In a further aspect, the mixing stage may occur in a mixer. In one aspect, the mixer may be a mixing element of the extruder comprising at least one hopper, which feeds the extrusion medium. At least one hopper may comprise a mixing means for introducing virgin PET and / or PET from consumption into the extruder screw in a specified ratio. In a further aspect, the mixer may be a mixing means within the extruder. The mixing element of the extruder 10 may comprise a conventional mixing unit with checkweighing, having at least one hopper mounted adjacent to at least one extruder 9. Two examples of such an extruder mixing element are the commercially available XGGCYUMFFK01 or XLGCYYUMKLXOls mixers from Process Control Corporation. At least one hopper may comprise a mixing means for introducing virgin PET and / or recycled PET into the extruder screw. 8. EXTRUSION Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi In one respect, the processes disclosed may include an extrusion stage. For example, a blend of recycled PET and virgin PET may be extruded to produce fiber. In one respect, the extrusion stage may take place in an extruder comprising a screw (e.g., a barrier screw), a filter medium, and / or a die. Extrusion may be achieved using commercially available equipment familiar to those skilled in the field. 9. ADDITIVES In one respect, the disclosed processes may include the addition of additives to the combination of recycled PET and / or the blend of recycled PET and virgin PET. By way of example, and without limitation, additives may include dyes, colorants, UV absorbers, plasticizers, opacifiers, nucleating agents, brighteners, thinners, and / or fillers. Additives may be added, for example, at the same time as blending. E. EXPERIMENTAL PART The following examples are intended to provide those skilled in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how the compounds, compositions, articles, devices, and / or methods claimed herein are prepared and evaluated. They are intended to be purely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors consider to be their invention. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers (e.g., quantities, temperature, etc.), but some errors and deviations should be expected. Unless otherwise stated, parts are parts by weight, temperature is in °C or ambient temperature, and pressure is at or near atmospheric pressure. In the examples presented, the braiding and heat-hardening, tufting, and dyeing and finishing processes were performed to the same specifications, regardless of the percentage of PET sourced from consumer waste being processed. Thus, all samples of PET sourced from consumer waste were processed under the same specifications for braiding and heat-hardening, tufting, and dyeing and finishing as the 100% virgin PET control. Although these conditions were used to produce the compositions and articles presented, it is understood that, unless otherwise stated, these conditions are not limiting and may be modified to meet other manufacturing requirements. 1. PREPARATION OF YARN AND CARPET FROM FIBER FORMED FROM CONSUMER PET DEPOSIT FLAKES The fiber containing 50% consumer PET, 75% consumer PET, and 100% RPET was formed, as described above, from deposit-grade flakes. As illustrated in Table 1, tests were conducted with unblended (i.e., unhomogenized) deposit flakes from two suppliers. The tests were repeated with deposit flakes from the two suppliers blended together. All tests were successfully processed with no significant differences in performance or product physical characteristics, except for a change in color in the compositions (e.g., fibers) produced from deposit flakes. The results of Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi The experiments, compared to a control lot containing 0% PET from consumption, are illustrated in Tables 2-8. Table 1: Description of the tests Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi Test # Raw Material Supplier # RPET Insertion Rate Mixed 1 Deposit Flake D1 50% No 2 Deposit Flake D1 75% No 3 Deposit Flake D1 100% No 4 Deposit Flake D2 50% No 5 Deposit Flake D2 75% No 6 Deposit Flake D2 100% No 7 Deposit Flake D1 / D2 50% Yes 8 Deposit Flake D1 / D2 75% Yes 9 Deposit Flake D1 / D2 100% Yes Control 0% N / A This fiber was processed into yarn, as is commonly known in the techniques, and compared to a sample of yarn containing 0% consumer-sourced PET. The results of this comparison are tabulated in Tables 2, 3, 4, and 5. Yarn produced from fiber containing 50% consumer-sourced PET, 75% consumer-sourced PET, and 100% consumer-sourced PET was woven into a carpet and compared to a sample of carpet containing 0% consumer-sourced PET. The resulting comparison is illustrated in Tables 6–8. The test results for the individual yarns formed are illustrated in Table 2. Denier, Yarn Finish (“FOY”), Modification Ratio (“MR”), Peak Load Tenacity, Peak Load Elongation, Knots per Meter, Crimp, Volume, and Solution Viscosity IV are conventional industrial measurements used to define a yarn. As can be seen by someone skilled in the art, and as illustrated in Table 2, there was no significant difference observed between the control sample and the consumer PET samples with respect to these physical properties. However, drying times and / or temperatures were adjusted to minimize any impact that the increasing content of consumer PET flakes (for both blended and unblended samples) might have on the Modification Ratio and VI. Yarn color was measured using a HunterLabs Spectrophotometer.As illustrated in Table 2, as the percentage of PET from consumption in the yarn increased, the Db also increased, indicating that the yarn became more yellow as the percentage of PET from consumption increased. Note also that the standard deviation of Db for blended yarn was lower than for the unblended samples. The average Db standard deviation of the yarn formed from uncombined deposit flakes supplied by the first supplier (Tests 1-3) was 0.20, and the average Db standard deviation of the yarn formed from uncombined deposit flakes supplied by the second supplier (Tests 4-6) was 0.17. The average Db standard deviation of the yarn formed from deposit flakes supplied by the first and second suppliers and blended together (Tests 7-9) was 0.09. Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi Table 2: Data in % of individual threads of PET flakes from sidewalk deposits originating from consumption Desv. Est. Db ΠΌ 0.37 0.17 0.46 0.12 0.10 en rj 0.37 0.15 0.15 0.21 0.16 Db 0.71 1.34 3.17 0.54 0.48 0.84 2.01 0.8 1.18 2.24 1.90 Viscosity Sol. IV 0.6305 0.6677 0.6534 co oo Ό S6S90 0.6513 6Δ99Ό 0.6641 co OS 0.6900 0.6812 % Volumen 29.7 30.1 34.6 34.7 31.5 32.5 34 o··. 32.2 30.8 29.3 29.7 rj % Rizado) 10.8 10.3 SOI 10.9 9ΌΙ 9.56 10.6 10.6 9.72 9.90 9.18 9.39 9.22 Nodos / 1 m 25 27 Cb Γ-J 25 27 25 CJ Cb CJ Cb Γ-J 25 Elong Prom! 42.825 42.65 41.475 % Elongation 39.4 42.6 45.3 44 44.4 44.3 Γ-··] os 42.7 43.3 45.5 36.4 40.7 37.8 Tenacidad Prom 2.1125 2.2425 2.2975 Tenacidad' (g / d) 1.95 2.17 -i 2.20 2.44 2.15 2.18 2.28 2.33 DO Γ-] CJ 2.30 2.48 MR JO 2.91 rj 2.79 2.78 2.69 2.72 rJ 2.91 2.84 2.88 2.78 FOY % OWF 1.42 1.41 1.42 1.49 1.39 1.32 1.26 1.24 1.42 1.41 1.34 1.35 1.38 Demer 1226 1265 1258 1267 1246 1269 1264 1259 1248 1247 1243 1260 1252 Prueba # 1 r- co Cb CD 1 Γ-J Control Lnnn / zznz / E / YiAi Individual filaments were removed from the individual yarns and tested as well. These results are illustrated in Table 3. These samples illustrate that there was very little improvement on average in tenacity and elongation with the combined samples, given that PET flake from deposit-grade consumption is a relatively clean source of flake with respect to molten and non-melted contaminants. The standard deviation of the average elongation of the yarn formed from uncombined deposit flakes supplied by the first supplier (Tests 1-3) was 8.36, and the standard deviation of the average tenacity of this yarn was 0.310. The standard deviation of the average elongation of the yarn formed from uncombined deposit flakes supplied by the second supplier (Tests 4-6) was 6.22, and the standard deviation of the average tenacity of this yarn was 0.380. The standard deviation of the average elongation of the yarn formed from deposit flakes supplied by the first and second suppliers and blended together (Tests 7-9) was 8.83, and the standard deviation of the average tenacity of the yarn formed from these flakes was 0.463. Table 3: % of Individual Filament Data from PET Deposit Flakes from hr Consumption Lnnn / zznz / B / Yi Test # Tenacity @ Break (g / dn) Elongation @ Break 1 3.168 34.374 2 2.910 34.177 3 3.284 37.999 4 3.105 35.863 5 6 3.166 37.857 7 2.713 33.607 8 3.099 38.146 9 2.748 37.613 Control 3.160 36.363 The individual yarns were each braided with at least one other similar yarn (i.e., if a yarn was made from 50% PET sourced from Supplier 1, it was braided with at least one other yarn made from 50% PET sourced from Supplier 1) and heat-hardened, as is commonly known in the techniques, and compared to a sample of braided yarn containing 0% PET sourced from Supplier 1. The results of this comparison are tabulated in Tables 4 and 5. As can be seen by someone skilled in the technique, and as illustrated in Table 4, there were color differences between the samples, with the combined samples (test numbers 8-12) having less average variation in b* (blue / yellow) and Db* (blue / yellow) in the heat-hardened samples from the beginning and end of the heat-hardening operation, when measured by a HunterLabs Spectrophotometer. Also, the average b* and Db* values ​​for the combined samples were between those of the uncombined samples C1 and O2. The positive impact of combination 5 is shown in the reduced color variation for the samples from the beginning and end of each test and in the average color calculation of the different flakes supplied. There was an average b* difference of 0.53 and an average Db* difference of 0.58 for the uncombined deposit flake yarn supplied by the first and second suppliers (Tests 1-6). This average b* difference decreased to 0.25 and the average Db* difference decreased to 0.35 when the yarn was formed from deposit flakes supplied by the first and second suppliers and blended together (Tests 7-9). The reduction in color variation for the beginning and end samples of each test, and the average of contaminants and copolymer content from the different supplied flakes, makes the yarn less variable over time with changes in sources. Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi Table 4: % of color of heat-hardened yarn from PET deposit flakes from consumption frR Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi Test # Position b* Diff. b* start and finish Db* Diff. Db* start and finish 1 Start HS 1.58 0.04 1 Finish HS 2.29 0.71 1.09 1.05 2 Start HS 3.23 1.69 2 Finish HS 3.97 0.74 1.69 0.00 3 Start HS 4.36 2.82 3 Finish HS 5.07 0.71 3.87 1.05 4 Start HS 2.02 0.48 5 Finish HS 2.15 0.13 0.95 0.47 5 Start HS 2.22 0.68 5 Finish HS 2.30 0.08 1.09 0.41 6 Start HS 3.29 1.76 6 Final HS 2.48 0.81 1.28 0.48 7 Start HS 2.64 1.11 7 Final HS 2.03 0.61 0.83 0.28 8 Start HS 2.86 1.33 8 Final HS 2.86 0.00 1.65 0.32 9 Start HS 4.73 3.19 9 Final HS 4.86 0.13 3.65 0.46 Control 0.00 0.00 Table 5 illustrates the average tenacity and elongation of the heat-hardened yarns. As can be seen, the yarns formed from a combined flake of consumer PET showed little difference in tenacity and elongation compared to similar uncombined yarns. As can be seen by someone skilled in the art, the average tenacity and elongation for all samples was only marginally lower than the control and has no impact on the carpet formed from it. Table 5: Tenacity and elongation of heat-hardened yarns from PET deposit flakes from consumer use Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi Test # Avg. HS Tenacity Avg. HS Elongation 1 2.438 45.758 2 2.574 45.800 3 2.467 46.806 4 2.626 50.306 5 2.566 44.641 6 2.499 45.011 7 2.558 47.531 8 2.558 50.119 9 2.545 57.582 Control 2.623 56.249 The yarn produced from the tests was woven into carpets and compared to a carpet sample containing 0% consumer-sourced PET. For example, Carpet Test 1 was produced solely from yarn made of 50% consumer-sourced PET deposit flakes that were not blended to homogenization. Carpet Test 12 was produced solely from yarn made of 100% consumer-sourced PET deposit flakes supplied by two vendors and blended together. Each carpet was tested against a control containing 0% consumer-sourced deposit flakes. Tables 6–8 tabulate the results. Table 6 illustrates that there were no significant differences between the combined samples, the uncombined samples, and the control with respect to stain resistance. In each test, various industry-standard colorants, such as mustard, coffee, red wine, Red #40, and povidone-iodine, were applied to the samples. A score between 1 and 10 was given to each sample to indicate the carpets' resistance to the colorants. Table 6: Test data on PET deposit flake carpets from consumption Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi Test # Red 40 Mustard Povidone-iodine Coffee Red wine 1 10.0 10.0 9.0 10.0 10.0 2 10.0 10.0 9.0 10.0 10.0 3 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 4 10.0 10.0 9.0 10.0 10.0 5 10.0 10.0 9.0 10.0 10.0 6 10.0 10.0 9.0 10.0 10.0 7 10.0 10.0 9.0 10.0 10.0 8 10.0 10.0 9.0 10.0 10.0 9 10.0 10.0 9.0 10.0 10.0 Control 10.0 10.0 9.0 10.0 10.0 As shown in Table 7, the carpets were evaluated using a variety of conventional industrial tests. Xenon, Ozone, Stain Removal, and NOx are conventional tests related to color, measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 representing an invisible change from the control and 3 representing a transient change. DE (CMC) and Gray Scale are conventional measures of a carpet's soil resistance. Hexapod is a conventional measure of carpet wearability, while the Pili test is a conventional measure of flammability. As can be seen in Table 7, there were no significant differences between the blended samples, the unblended samples, and the control with respect to these tests. Stitching, pile height, and pile weight are conventional industry measurements of carpet construction. As illustrated in Table 8, there were no significant differences among the blended samples, unblended samples, and control with respect to carpet construction. Grain, tips, hand, and finish are conventional industry measurements of carpet appearance. Although all carpet samples containing consumer PET were rated inferior to the control for grain, carpets made from blended samples had less grain than those made from unblended samples. Overall, carpets containing consumer PET had better hand, less texture, and were coarser as the percentage of PET increased.However, based on improvements in yarn color homogeneity in extruded quality and improved yarn grain indices, the overall process and system components were shown to be effective. Table 7: Test data on PET deposit flake carpets from consumption Pili Test 8 / 8 8 / 8 8 / 8 8 / 8 8 / 8 8 / 8 8 / 8 8 / 8 8 / 8 8 / 8 8 / 8 4K Hexapod* Run Avg 3.1 2.8 Cj rn rn 2.8 2.8 2.9 2.6 Cj m Fill Γ <ί 2.8 3.0 en m oí urdimbre rn 2 ciclos nox* 4.0 un 3.5 ozono* u-i un desmanchado* seco 4.5 húmedo 5.0 40 horas xenón* suciedad acelerada escala de grises limpia* sucia* de(cmc) limpia 1.37 1.18 1.39 1.28 0.58 86 0 0.88 1.01 1.09 08ό sucia 1.84 2.01 1.88 1.68 1.91 1.72 1.49 1.73 1.69 06'1 prueba i—· oj vo γ- 00 cb controlhr Lnnn / zznz / E / YiAi Table 8: Construction and finishing data for carpets made from PET deposit flakes from consumption I Plush Weight (kg(oz)) 1,246 (43.95) 1,247 (43.98) 1,244 (43.88) 1,242 (43.80) 1,242 (43.81) 1,238 (43.68) 1,239 (43.71) 1,241 (43.78) QO OCD Ό ri 1.246 (43.95) Seam 61.5 62.5 62 63 63 62.5 63.5 62 62 62 Plush Height (cm(in)) 2.46 (31 / 32) 2.46 (31 / 32) 2.46 (31 / 32) 2.46 (31 / 32) 2.46 (31 / 32) 2.46 (31 / 32) 2.46 (31 / 32) 2.46 (31 / 32) 2.46 (31 / 32) 2.46 (31 / 32) Finish Avg 00 5.72 5.83 Finish 80'9 6.00 5.25 6.08 in 1ΓΊ 5.33 5.92 5.92 5.67 7.00 Tips Avg 6.08 5.97 6.14 Tips 6.17 6.08 6.00 6.08 5.83 6.00 6.33 6.25 5.83 or Hand Avg 6.14 6.03 6.36 Hand 6.25 6.33 5.83 6.00 6.08 6.00 6.42 6.50 6.17 g Average Marbling on 6.33 88'9 7.00 Marbling on Plush 6.00 6.50 6.50 7.00 oo 6.50 7.00 oooo 7.00 Average Marbling on 5.33 6.00 6.50 Marbling on Plush 5.00 oo 6.00 6.50 oo 'O 5.50 6.50 6.50 6.50 oo Test # t—· (Si '-Ti Γ- 00 Οϊ Control hr Lnnn / zznz / E / YiAi In other experiments, fiber containing 25% consumer PET, as described above, was formed from deposit flakes. The flake batch was premixed and precrystallized and dried on a fiber line. The test was successfully processed with no significant differences in performance or product physical characteristics, except for a change in color (approximately 1.5 units of yellow). The results of the experiment, compared to a control batch containing 0% consumer PET, are illustrated in Tables 9 and 10. The color was stable throughout the 25% consumer PET deposit flake batch. Table 9: Data on PET deposit flakes from consumption Lnnn / zznz / E / Yi Lot Denier Tenacity Elongation NPM Volume FOY 0% PET from consumption 1255 2.20 41.26 24.69 9.7 1.29 25% PET flakes from consumption 1252 2.28 47.47 24.63 10.3 1.21 Table 10: Color data of PET deposit flakes from consumption Lot DL Da Db DE 0% PET from consumption .0133 .035 -.23 .3267 25% PET flakes from deposit from consumption -.144 -.14 .319 .583 The batch of 25% PET deposit flakes sourced from consumer waste was processed with little to no variation in physical properties compared to the standard, except for color, as noted above. In this experiment, the initial pressure across the filtration medium with new (clean) sieves in place was 17,500 kPa (175 bar). The backflush pressure was set to 18,500 kPa (185 bar). With this setup, the deposit flakes were backflushed approximately every four hours. 2. DISCUSSION OF RESULTS As can be seen in the tables above, which reflect the tests performed on yarn and carpet fiber formed from recycled PET flakes, in general, the combined recycled PET flakes performed better as a control than the uncombined flakes. Additionally, the combined recycled PET flakes from multiple sources performed better as a control than the uncombined flakes. It is understood that blending PET flakes sourced from consumer sources reduces the percentage of any impurities in a given sample of those flakes. For example, if a first batch of PET flakes sourced from a supplier has light blue contamination, it is still within specifications. However, a second batch of PET flakes sourced from a different supplier is unlikely to have the same level of light blue contamination, and the blended product will have some degree of light blue contamination between the two batches. In this way, the blended product will have an improved level of light blue contamination compared to the first batch. In one respect, it is considered that if suppliers of PET flakes sourced from consumer use are geographically separated, then it is more likely that the flakes will have different contaminant and copolymer content depending on the bottle source and their respective bottle cleaning technologies. Also, producers of virgin PET resin, used to manufacture bottles, have their own specific PET formulations. Therefore, after combining flakes from geographically separated suppliers, any contaminants and copolymer differences present may occur in a more uniform and / or smaller percentage than in an uncombined batch from a single supplier. Additionally, having contaminants present in a more uniform and / or smaller percentage will produce a more consistent fiber. This fiber, in turn, can be used to produce more consistent articles, such as, for example, and without limitation, carpeting. Thus, in one aspect, the invention relates to a polymer mixture comprising polyethylene terephthalate, present as up to about 100% by weight of homogeneous stock polyethylene terephthalate from consumption, and virgin equilibrium polyethylene terephthalate, wherein the stock polyethylene terephthalate materials from consumption are supplied by two or more suppliers It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. The specification and examples are intended to be considered as illustrative only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A process for preparing a recycled polyethylene terephthalate composition comprising the step of combining consumer-sourced polyethylene terephthalate, collected from curbside deposits, until homogenized, before mixing with virgin polyethylene terephthalate, wherein the homogenized consumer-sourced polyethylene terephthalate, collected from curbside deposits, comprises impurities absent from the virgin polyethylene terephthalate and wherein the impurities comprise floating contamination present in an amount of less than 15 ppm and PVC contamination present in an amount of less than 50 ppm.

2. The process according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: a. combining consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from sidewalk deposits until homogenized; b. optionally, crystallizing the homogenized consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from sidewalk deposits; c. drying the homogenized consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from sidewalk deposits; d. mixing the homogenized consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from sidewalk deposits with virgin polyethylene terephthalate; and e. extruding the mixture.

3. The process according to claim 1, wherein the homogeneous polyethylene terephthalate from consumer waste, collected from curbside deposits, further comprises one or more of the following: moisture content of less than 1.0%; metal contamination of less than 10 ppm; other unmelted particles of less than 25 ppm; green PET contamination of less than 1000 ppm; light blue contamination of less than 75000 ppm; low melting point material of less than 25 ppm; and black PET of less than 50 ppm; wherein the homogeneous polyethylene terephthalate from consumer waste, collected from curbside deposits, has one or more of the following specifications: bulk density (kg / m3 (lb / ft3)) of 320.4-432.54 (20-27); Pressure increase (kPa per kilogram (psi per pound)) of < 1139 kPa / kg (75 psi / lb); Color b values, when measured by a HunterLabs Spectrophotometer, of 0-3 units, and Color L values, when measured by a HunterLabs Spectrophotometer, of more than 50 units.

4. A process for preparing a recycled polyethylene terephthalate composition comprising the step of mixing homogeneous polyethylene terephthalate from consumer waste, collected from curbside deposits, with virgin polyethylene terephthalate, wherein the homogeneous polyethylene terephthalate from consumer waste, collected from curbside deposits, comprises impurities absent from virgin polyethylene terephthalate and wherein the impurities comprise Lnnn / zznz / B / Yi floating contamination present in an amount of less than 15 ppm and PVC contamination present in an amount of less than 50 ppm.

5. The process according to claim 4, comprising the steps of: a. combining consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from sidewalk deposits until homogenized; b. optionally, crystallizing the homogenized consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from sidewalk deposits; c. drying the homogenized consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from sidewalk deposits; d. mixing the homogenized consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from sidewalk deposits with virgin polyethylene terephthalate; and e. extruding the mixture.

6. The process according to claim 4, wherein the homogeneous polyethylene terephthalate from consumer waste, collected from curbside deposits, further comprises one or more of the following: moisture content of less than 1.0%; metal contamination of less than 10 ppm; other unmelted particles of less than 25 ppm; green PET contamination of less than 1000 ppm; light blue contamination of less than 75000 ppm; low melting point material of less than 25 ppm; and black PET of less than 50 ppm; wherein the homogeneous polyethylene terephthalate from consumer waste, collected from curbside deposits, has one or more of the following specifications: bulk density (kg / m3 (lb / ft3)) of 320.4-432.54 (20-27); Pressure increase (kPa per kilogram (psi per pound)) of < 1139 kPa / kg (75 psi / lb); Color b values, when measured by a HunterLabs Spectrophotometer, of 0-3 units, and Color L values, when measured by a HunterLabs Spectrophotometer, of more than 50 units.

7. A process for preparing a recycled polyethylene terephthalate composition comprising the step of extruding a mixture of homogeneous polyethylene terephthalate from consumer waste, collected from curbside deposits, and virgin polyethylene terephthalate, wherein the homogeneous polyethylene terephthalate from consumer waste, collected from curbside deposits, comprises impurities absent from the virgin polyethylene terephthalate, and wherein the impurities comprise floating contamination present in an amount of less than 15 ppm and PVC contamination present in an amount of less than 50 ppm.

8. The process according to claim 7, comprising the steps of: a. combining consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from sidewalk deposits until homogenized; b. optionally, crystallizing the homogenized consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from sidewalk deposits; c. drying the homogenized consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from sidewalk deposits; d. mixing the homogenized consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from sidewalk deposits with virgin polyethylene terephthalate; and e. extruding the mixture.

9. The process according to claim 7, wherein the homogeneous consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from curbside deposits further comprises one or more of the following moisture contents: less than 1.0%; metal contamination of less than 10 ppm; other unmelted particles of less than 25 ppm; green PET contamination of less than 1000 ppm; light blue contamination of less than 75000 ppm; low melting point material of less than 25 ppm; and black PET of less than 50 ppm; wherein the homogeneous consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from curbside deposits has one or more of the following specifications: bulk density (kg / m3 (lb / ft3)) of 320.4-432.54 (20-27); Pressure increase (kPa per kilogram (psi per pound)) of < 1139 kPa / kg (75 psi / lb); Color b values, when measured by a HunterLabs Spectrophotometer, of 0-3 units, and Color L values, when measured by a HunterLabs Spectrophotometer, of more than 50 units.

10. A process for preparing a recycled polyethylene terephthalate composition comprising the step of mixing consumer-sourced polyethylene terephthalate collected from curbside deposits until homogenized prior to extrusion, wherein the homogenized consumer-sourced polyethylene terephthalate collected from curbside deposits comprises impurities absent from virgin polyethylene terephthalate and wherein the impurities comprise floating contamination present in an amount of less than 15 ppm and PVC contamination present in an amount of less than 50 ppm.

11. The process according to claim 10, comprising the steps of: a. combining consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from sidewalk deposits until homogenized; b. optionally, crystallizing the homogenized consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from sidewalk deposits; c. drying the homogenized consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from sidewalk deposits; d. mixing the homogenized consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from sidewalk deposits with virgin polyethylene terephthalate; and e. extruding the mixture.

12. The process according to claim 10, wherein the homogeneous consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from curbside receptacles further comprises one or more of the following: moisture content of less than 1.0%; metal contamination of less than 10 ppm; other non-melted particles of less than 25 ppm; green PET contamination of less than 1000 ppm; light blue contamination of less than 75000 ppm; low melting point material of less than 25 ppm; and black PET of less than 50 ppm; wherein the homogeneous consumer-grade polyethylene terephthalate collected from curbside receptacles, homogeneously mixed, has one or more of the following specifications: bulk density (kg / m3 (lb / ft3)) of 320.4-432.54 (20-27); Pressure increase (kPa per kilogram (psi per pound)) of < 1139 kPa / kg (75 psi / lb); Color b values, when measured by a HunterLabs Spectrophotometer, of 0-3 units, and Color L values, when measured by a HunterLabs Spectrophotometer, of more than 50 units.

10.

13. The process according to claim 1, wherein the mixing step further comprises introducing a quantity of an exogenous tracking marker into the consumer-sourced polyethylene terephthalate collected from sidewalk deposits, and wherein the homogeneity of the mixture is verified by measuring the distribution of exogenous tracking markers in a test.

14. The process according to claim 10, wherein the mixing step further 15 comprises introducing a quantity of an exogenous tracking marker into the consumer-sourced polyethylene terephthalate collected from sidewalk deposits, and wherein the homogeneity of the mixture is verified by measuring the distribution of exogenous tracking markers in a test.